Les Mills Instructors and class devotees across Australia and Southeast Asia will want to mark their calendar because LES MILLS LIVE – the ultimate international fitness festival – is heading to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 13th and 14th of August. The event promises incredible workouts with epic music, lights, energy and excitement. It’s also your chance to meet and work out with the world’s most inspiring Program Directors, Presenters and Instructors.
After two years of relentless lockdowns across Australia and Southeast Asia, LES MILLS LIVE Melbourne is confirmation the live revival has well and truly emerged. The Les Mills 2021 Global Fitness Report revealed that class attendances reached 120 per cent of pre-COVID levels across worldwide markets after restrictions lifted. This strong recovery by gyms across the globe has been reinforced by the trend of Instructors and members alike flocking back to group fitness as they celebrate the return to in-person exercise; which is why, LES MILLS LIVE Melbourne is expected to sell out.
Over two days, a thousand attendees will experience the brand new Q3 Releases across most Les Mills programs. This unforgettable event gives Instructors and LES MILLS+ subscribers the chance to enjoy the true essence of Les Mills programs, which lies in the unrivalled magic of a live experience. Plus, LES MILLS LIVE Melbourne is also a rare opportunity for attendees to meet some of their favourite Presenters and Program Directors from whom they’ve been working out with on-screen, including:
Dan Cohen (Program Director for BODYCOMBAT®)
Khiran Huston (Trainer/Presenter for LES MILLS SPRINT®, LES MILLS TONE®, THE TRIP®, RPM®, LES MILLS GRIT® and BODYPUMP®)
Vili Fifita (Les Mills Ambassador and Presenter for BODYCOMBAT and BODYPUMP)
Reagan Kang (Les Mills Ambassador, Trainer, Presenter for BODYCOMBAT, BODYPUMP and LES MILLS GRIT)
Bas Hollander (Education Director at Les Mills International, and Trainer for the Les Mills GRIT Series, LES MILLS SPRINT®, LES MILLS THE TRIP® and LES MILLS TONE®)
Dee Rowell (Les Mills Ambassador, Trainer and Presenter for RPM®, LES MILLS SPRINT, BODYSTEP® and LES MILLS TONE)
Bevan James Eyles (BODYATTACK® Presenter).
So, if you’re ready to enjoy an unforgettable fitness experience that is much like a rock concert experience mixed with your favourite high energy workouts and Presenters, and shared with a thousand friends and fans, then mark your diary because tickets go on sale in June.
LES MILLS LIVE Melbourne is set to be the group fitness event of the year, so to ensure you never miss a beat in the lead up to when registrations open, visit www.lesmills.com.au/live/melbourne and subscribe to receive priority notifications.
The Australian Baseball League (ABL) promised for a “Bigger and Better 2022/23 ABL” and what a better way to begin with the announcement of the Auckland Tuatara re-joining the league after a two-year hiatus ahead of the 2022/2023 season.
The Tuatara brand returns even stronger, boasting a new successful NZNBL Basketball team, with hopes of building on the brand’s early ABL success.
Based in Auckland the Tuatara entered the league in the 2018/2019 season, named after the oldest surviving species endemic to the country. The proud Tuatara name is derived from the Māori language and means “peaks on the back”.
With six ABL teams locked in from Australia, the addition of the New Zealand team lets more fans from around the world tune into baseball ahead of what will be an exciting summer of baseball. The ABL is proud to welcome the city of sails franchise back, after their historical playoff push in 2019/20.
With the count-down to the start of the season the Tuatara team is looking to showcase New Zealand and what it can offer at their home ‘North Harbour Stadium.’
Auckland Tuatara CEO Regan Wood says it’s an important step for the history of club, “We think we contribute; we bring a different style of baseball. Our coaching staff want to win baseball, they want to win every day. But we also want to make sure we engage with the public.”
“One of our goals is to have the largest crowd, one of our goals is to have the most amount of people turning up to a game. We are refreshed and we’re looking forward to playing again.”
Delivering an exciting global brand of baseball to the world is key to the growth and the participation of the sport something the ABL is eager to showcase.
Paul Gonzalez ABL GM states, “The Tuatara bring an exciting dynamic to the ABL, their fan engagement, competitiveness and international reach to millions, as they strive for the 2022-23 Claxton Shield.”
As borders open up and flights resume, tourism picks up throughout the Southeast Asia region. Our team at AFT has compiled this list of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for those who are travelling to popular destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam. Travel safe and always follow the SOPs. Enjoy!
Starting 1 May 2022, fully-vaccinated inbound travellers are no longer required to undergo pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 tests, including children aged 12 and below as well as for those who have been infected with COVID-19 within six to 60 days before departure to Malaysia. Travel insurance will also not be a prerequisite for foreigners entering the country.
Traveller’s Checklist into Malaysia:
Download the MySejahtera app and create an account.
Verify your digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate. If you have previously verified your digital vaccination certificate on the MySejahtera application, you can skip this step.
As of 28 April 2022, all International travelers, both Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals can enter Indonesia through the assigned entry points by air and sea (list displayed in the website above).
Travellers must abide with the strict health protocols implemented by the Indonesian government and must download the PeduliLindungi app before departure.
Travellers must show certificates (physical and digital) of having received a complete dose of COVID-19 vaccine consisting of two doses and/or a booster (third) vaccine which are administered 14 days before departure at the earliest as a requirement to enter Indonesia with conditions stated in the website above.
Indonesian citizens must show proof (physical and digital) of having received a complete dose of COVID-19 vaccine consisting of two doses and/or a booster (third) vaccine as a requirement to enter Indonesia, and in the event that the Indonesian citizens have not received vaccine abroad, they will be vaccinated in the quarantine place in Indonesia after a second RT-PCR examination with negative results;
The Indonesian government accepts all kinds of COVID-19 vaccine administered to international travelers.
In the event of foreign nationals have not received vaccine abroad, they will be vaccinated in the quarantine place upon arrival in Indonesia after a second RT-PCR examination with negative results (refer to the website above for full description).
From 1 April 2022, there will be specific entry requirements in place based on whether you are fully vaccinated or non-fully vaccinated.
We welcome all fully vaccinated visitors* to Singapore. No entry approvals, pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests and quarantine required.
*Fully vaccinated visitors and non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below will be allowed to enter Singapore.
Pre-departure checklist:
Obtain proof of vaccination and upload vaccination certificate onto the Vaccination Check Portal.
Secure tickets for any flight to Singapore.
Download the TraceTogether app and register your profile.
3 days before departure: Submit SG Arrival Card and e-health declaration via the official and free e-service on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
Travelers may enter Thailand with or without quarantine based on their vaccination status and country of departure.
New entry requirements were introduced on May 1, 2022 but always check on the websites above for updates prior to your departure.
Fully Vaccinated travelers will no longer need to apply to enter Thailand under the Test & Go or Sandbox scheme. A vaccinated traveler does not need to book 1 night’s accommodation in an approved SHA+ hotel or complete an RT-PCR test on arrival. Fully vaccinated foreigners will need to provide proof of insurance and their vaccination certificate when applying for Thailand Pass. Thai Nationals only need to provide their vaccination certificate as insurance is not required.Unvaccinated children under 18 years old may travel with vaccinated parents without quarantine.
Unvaccinated travelers will have 2 options for entering Thailand:
Unvaccinated travelers will be able to enter Thailand under the existing 5-day Alternate Quarantine scheme; OR
Unvaccinated travelers will be able to avoid the 5-day Alternate Quarantine by completing an RT-PCR test and uploading the result into their Thailand Pass application. The test cannot be older than 72 hours before their arrival date. Book your AQ Hotel Quarantine today.
On 15 March 2022, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Guidance on reopening the tourism activities under the new normal with the spirit “Adapting safely, flexibly and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic effectively” following the directions of the Government and the Prime Minister.
All Vietnam destinations are open. No self-isolation is required.
Here are key points of the new guidelines: RT-PCR test + visa + travel insurance now accepted for entry.
Upon arrival, you must present:
Negative Covid-19 test result per passenger:
Travelers entering via air: Present a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (except for children under 2 years old) using RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method within 72 hours before entry into Vietnam. Or have a negative rapid test result within 24 hours before departure, certified by the competent authority of the country where the test is performed. Travelers entering via land, rail and sea routes: Present negative test results as mentioned in the section above. In case not presenting proof of a negative test result for SARS-CoV-2 as specified above, entrants are required to undergo a SARS-CoV-2 test at the border gate before entry (using RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method or rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2). Upon receiving a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result, they are allowed to enter and join tour activities. If the RT – PCR test result returns positive, they must follow strictly the regulations of the health authority. Children under 2 years old are not required to be tested for SARS-CoV-2. Having not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or having never been infected with SARS-CoV-2 before, they are allowed to enter and to join outdoor activities with their parents and relatives.
Proof of valid medical/travel insurance covering Covid-19 treatment. Minimum cover USD10,000 (Link to info).
Downloaded PC-Covid mobile app (Apple/Google Play) which must be presented to enter all VN establishments.
The visionary filmmaker joins Aaron Sorkin, Gretchen Carlson & Troye Sivan as headline talent for Vivid Ideas.
Vivid Sydney 2022 presents renowned filmmaker and global storyteller Baz Luhrmann at Vivid Ideas: The Business of Baz followed by the highly anticipated Red Carpet Gala premiere of ELVIS – fresh from its World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Both events will take place at the iconic State Theatre in Sydney on 5 June 2022.
The Business of Baz is an intimate, one-of-a-kind conversation hosted by acclaimed journalist and podcaster Marc Fennell. Baz will discuss his remarkable career, the power of storytelling, creativity in chaos and his multi-faceted partnerships with Catherine Martin and Craig Pearce, enthralling audiences with behind-the-scenes tales from the filming of Elvis.
Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis will be released across most Asia Pacific cities on 23 June, 2022. More dates here.
I am delighted that Baz Luhrmann, one of our nation’s greatest cultural luminaries, will be part of Vivid Sydney 2022. His dynamic artistic talents traverse film, television, opera, theatre, music, and recording. His insights into the fashion and art worlds make him incredibly interesting and highly relevant for the Vivid Ideas program.
A seat at an audience with Baz will be one of the hottest tickets in town. This is a one-off opportunity to get first-hand insight into the genius behind his art, his career and of course, his latest movie Elvis. Culminating in the Sydney premiere of his highly-anticipated biopic about another cultural icon–the first time in the festival’s history we have included a film premiere.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres
Baz Luhrmann joins a powerful, thought-provoking Vivid Ideas line-up for 2022, as a Global Storyteller alongside Aaron Sorkin, Gretchen Carlson & Troye Sivan. Baz is a creative visionary with a body of work that embodies everything Vivid Ideas is about–celebrating those who push creative boundaries, tell stories that challenge the status quo and drive change for good. Both he and Catherine Martin personify Sydney style and creativity.
Vivid Sydney 2022 Festival Director, Gil Minervini
Coming from a very small town about four hours north of Sydney, it’s not an exaggeration that David Williamson’s description of it as the Emerald City was spot on, for I always looked toward Sydney on my journey down the yellow brick road. From growing up on the northern beaches, opening The Bond Theatre Company and creating experimental opera, during my time at NIDA, and throughout the development and shooting of my first film, Strictly Ballroom, Sydney has been a haven for me and a place abuzz with energy”. “CM and I will never forget the romance of this majestic city, which is forever in our hearts. We created our first-ever Australian opera, La Bohème, at the Sydney Opera House back in 1993, so, it’s only fitting that we return to the Emerald City to share our latest work, Elvis, fulfilling the dream that we Australians can conceive of anything, bring it to life here, and deliver it to the world.
Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmann is appearing as part of Vivid Idea’s Global Storytellers series, which include fearless women’s rights advocate and Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Gretchen Carlson, Oscar and Emmy Award-winning theatre and film director Aaron Sorkin and iconoclastic musician, fashion maverick and creative powerhouse Troye Sivan.
ELVIS is in cinemas in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Australia from 23 June. More dates here.
Event details:
Baz Luhrmann and Marc Fennell discussing the Business of Baz, Sunday 5 June, 3pm–4pm, State Theatre, Sydney: A household name synonymous with fantasy, romance and decadence, Baz Luhrmann is a creative visionary and has captured audiences around the world with his highly theatrical and flamboyant productions–he will chart his rise from small town NSW to the heights of Hollywood and the trials and tribulations along the way. Purchase a ticket to the Business of Baz Ideas talk now: https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/the-business-of-baz.
Warner Bros. Pictures and Vivid Sydney present the Sydney Premiere of Elvis, Sunday 5 June, From 6pm, State Theatre, Sydney: Vivid Sydney is proud to present alongside Warner Bros. Pictures the Sydney premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s latest work, Elvis. Starring Austin Butler and Oscar winner Tom Hanks, the film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). Australia native Olivia DeJonge also stars as Priscilla. Purchase an Elvis Premiere Package now, including a ticket to both the Business of Baz Ideas Talk and the Elvis premiere: https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/the-business-of-baz
Vivid Sydney, the annual festival of creativity, innovation and technology, will transform Sydney’s CBD into a fusion of Light, Music and Ideas for 23 nights, from 27 May to 18 June 2022. Business of Baz joins more than more than 85 intriguing talks and workshops as part of the Vivid Ideas program, which explores the forces that shape not only Sydney’s unique community, but all great cities around the world.
Among some of the highlights at Vivid Sydney 2022, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and ‘Our Connected City’ will be illuminated.Photo credit: Mandy Lights/Destination NSW
To book tickets to Vivid Sydney events and performances, and for more information on the program go to www.vividsydney.com.
Ready, set, go! It’s time to gather your family and friends, and #RunForChildren!
Many strides have been made in protecting children over the years, but that progress is being threatened by the pandemic. Join World Vision Malaysia’s #RunForChildren to show solidarity for children and advocate for their 42 rights! All you need to do is run, jog or walk for 42 minutes between 15 and 31 May.
“February 2023 will be a moment in time of a gathering of great minds for commitments to resolve what it takes, to move from where we are now to get to a better future. This can be Your Legacy; you can help change the current course from a catastrophic outcome to a healthy, habitable planet. Please do this for the next generation, for the future of humanity.”
Dr. Sylvia Earle, oceanographer, marine biologist and explorer
Ocean Geographic, Aurora Expeditions and Mission Blue invite thought leaders in the fields of science, art, education, and economics, alongside inquisitive teenagers and corporate executives, to participate in an expedition to Antarctica with Dr Sylvia Earle. The principal expedition team for this most important climate summit will be comprised of conservationists, celebrities, and ocean luminaries.
You can be part of this pivotal Antarctic summit to save our environment for future generations.
Highlights from the latest subscriber-exclusive newsletter. Subscribe for the full article.
Calorie counter strike
Satiety, calories and recommended dietary guidelines.
Have you eaten? Are you still hungry? Feeling satiated is often not about hitting the right calories per day, but about eating the right kinds of nutrient-dense foods.
The term calorie is derived from the Latin word, calor ‘heat’ and was originally a term used as early as the 1820s to explain a unit of heat. When have we been calorie conscious? 1908 apparently, but it was a Californian physician and newspaper columnist Dr. Lulu Hunt Peters who popularised dieting using the concept, “don’t eat food, eat calories”. Watching what she ate and capping it to 1200 calories per day, her weight loss resulted in one of the first books on dieting titled, ‘Diet and Health: With Key to the Calories’ (1918)1. Shortly after, Dr. Peters was posted to the Balkans and witnessed life there as an American Red Crosser in WW1. She returned to the US three years later and was so surprised that her book had been selling so well that it became a hit.
Dr. Chris Barclay, a GP and author of ‘Beating Diabetes the Low-Carb way’ (2020) shared that in the last 20 years in the UK, the number of people with Type-2 Diabetes had risen from 1.4 to almost 5 million2. Dr. Peters’ successful diet, he theorises, may not have been about the calories after all, but about the fact that her meal plans were low in carbohydrates. She ate plenty of salad, vegetables (mostly raw), fruit, meat and fish, the occasional piece of bread and a few pretzels. There was no pasta, pizza, cake, biscuits or rice, no fruit juices, nor smoothies. Is this an example perhaps of mistaken assumptions and incomplete knowledge, he queries.
Swing back to kitchens of today, a promotion in a Hello Fresh meal kit website promises this, “Our carb smart recipes lower the amount of carbohydrates per serving by using wholesome ingredients like cauliflower, zucchini and avocado in place of high carb foods like rice and bread. And our calorie smart recipes keep each serving under 650 calories while packing in lots of nutrients so you feel super satisfied after every meal”.
You may wonder then if the hashtag #lowcarb is trending… Absolutely! Instagram itself has 27.9million posts with the ‘reducing’ hashtags #lowcarb as compared to 7.1m #diabetes, 75.9m #diet, 82.2m #weightloss yet it can’t compare with the ‘eating’ 284m #foodporn, 122m #vegan.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be hosted by the State of Victoria in Australia.
The announcement follows a successful exclusive dialogue period between the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGAus) and Victoria, where an exciting proposal to stage the major multi-sport competition across the State was agreed.
The proposal capitalises on the 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap, which provides renewed flexibility to be innovative and creative in delivering the Games.
In what will be a first ever predominantly regional Commonwealth Games, Victoria 2026 will be staged in March 2026 across multiple cities and regional hubs including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. The Opening Ceremony will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The approach will showcase the best of what the State has to offer and ensure a uniquely Victorian experience for the athletes and spectators.
There will be a phased approach in creating the sports programme for Victoria 2026. An initial 16 sports have been put forward for the Games, with further sports to be added later this year.
The CGF, CGAus and Victoria entered an exclusive dialogue period in February 2022. A CGF and CGAus visit to Victoria took place later that month. This was followed by a Victoria 2026 delegation presenting their 2026 Games Proposal to the CGF Executive Board in Birmingham, England in March 2022. The Proposal has now been approved by the CGF Executive Board, with the Host Contract to be signed in Victoria today.
CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria.
Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision for hosting our major multi-sport event.
In Victoria, we believe we have found the perfect partner for the next stage of our journey.
This is a very special moment for the Commonwealth Sport Family and on behalf of the entire Movement, I would like to congratulate Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria on their successful Games submission. We now look forward to a bright future as we work together to stage a Commonwealth Games like no other.”
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said: “It’s a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – we can’t wait to welcome the world to all of our state.”
“The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy.”
Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions, with Victoria playing host to the Melbourne 2006 Games; widely considered one of the most successful editions of the event in history. The country has also staged the Games in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and most recently Gold Coast in 2018. Victoria has also hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo in 2004.”
Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said: “Commonwealth Games Australia is thrilled to welcome the athletes of the Commonwealth back to Australia and we look forward to working with both the CGF and the Victorian Government to bring the Games to life across Victoria in 2026.”
“A home Games will provide immeasurable benefits for our Member sports and will inspire our athletes in what will be a unique and exciting Games”.
The 2026 Games will be the 23rd edition of the major multi-sport competition, which first began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.
Victoria is a world-leading major events and tourism destination. The State has a strong track record for staging high profile sporting competitions including The Australian Open tennis grand slam, the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup. Victoria also regularly hosts elite cricket, golf and Australian Rules Football competition.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be staged in Birmingham, England from 28 July – 8 August.
In a recent study published in Preventive Medicine Reports*, Dr Shian-Ling Keng, Associate Professor from the Department of Psychology at Monash University Malaysia, along with a team of 107 researchers from over 40 countries globally, are charting COVID-19’s deadly sweep across the world by delving into the virus’ often overlooked impact on people’s health behaviours. This study is conducted with Dr Michael Stanton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health at California State University, East Bay as a co-leading investigator. Other key collaborators of the study include Dr LeeAnn Haskins (University of Georgia, USA), Dr Jeannette Ickovics (Yale University, USA), Dr Antwan Jones (the George Washington University, USA), Dr Diana Grigsby-Toussaint (Brown University, USA), and Dr Carlos Almenara (Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Peru).
Anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and home confinement measures have been found to be associated with adverse health behaviours, such as unhealthy eating, smoking, drinking, and decreased physical activity. These unhealthy behaviours are risk factors for non-communicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, which in turn increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 and greater disease severity and may eventually lead to increased mortality. However, to date, most studies have been limited by regional sampling, which precludes the examination of behavioural consequences associated with the pandemic at a global level.
Using data from the global PsyCorona project, an international, longitudinal online study of psychological and behavioural correlates of COVID-19, Dr Keng and over 100 behavioural scientists surveyed 7,402 adult participants from 86 countries across three waves of assessment and measured their perceived infection risk, economic burden, and engagement in health behaviours ranging from physical exercise, unhealthy eating, smoking, to alcohol consumption. By employing a multilevel regression approach in its data analysis, the team tested whether COVID-19 infection risk and economic burden correlate with a decline in healthy behavioural habits. The study found that perceived economic burden was linked with reduced diet quality and sleep quality, as well as increased smoking. There was also an interaction between perceived COVID-19 infection risk and economic burden, such that diet quality and sleep quality were lowest among those reported high levels of COVID-19 infection risk and economic burden. Neither binge drinking nor physical exercise were associated with perceived COVID-19 infection risk, economic burden, or their interaction.
“The pandemic is teaching us key lessons about the relationship between different types of stressors and health outcomes across different socioeconomic groups. In particular, it highlights the importance of attending to cumulative, negative effects of high infection risk and economic burden on health outcomes”, said Dr Keng. This project began when Dr Keng was a faculty member with the Division of Psychology at Yale-NUS College, Singapore.
Since March 2020, the PsyCorona scientists have conducted ongoing 20-minute interviews with more than 60,000 people in 115 countries. The survey topics range from handwashing and mask-wearing to dissatisfaction with government messaging. The project is jointly funded by the New York University Abu Dhabi, the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III in Madrid, with Dr Pontus Leander (Wayne State University, USA) and Dr Jocelyn Bélanger (NYU Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) as principal investigators.
“We are asking: If you perceive that you will get infected, and if you think that in the next few months your personal situation will be worse due to the economic consequences of COVID, will you sleep less, and will you eat more and eat unhealthy food?” Dr Stanton explained.
Preliminary findings from the study point to the value of developing interventions to address COVID-related stressors, which have an impact on health behaviours that, in turn, may influence vulnerability to COVID-19 and other health outcomes. Dr Keng noted that the relationships between COVID-19 stressors and health behaviours appear to be consistent across geographical regions — from impoverished nations to more developed European countries and the United States, and the relationships remained after controlling for variations in gender, age and levels of education. As a next step, the team aims to examine psychological mechanisms that may account for the relationships, including negative emotions and use of coping strategies such as problem solving and avoidance.
Dr Jones, Associate Professor from the Department of Sociology at The George Washington University, expressed that pandemics are notorious for inciting short- and long-term economic challenges. “However, there has been less attention on…how socially and economically vulnerable populations will be affected by the changing spatial landscape brought on by the consequences of the pandemic,” he stated.
Another co-author, Dr Grigsby-Toussaint, Associate Professor of Behavioural and Social Sciences and Epidemiology at the Brown University School of Public Health, indicated that supporting and engaging in international collaborative efforts are critical for mitigating the impact of COVID-19. “Although effective interventions targeting COVID-19 have to be tailored to the local context, it is important to have a broader view of stressors and health behaviours that are continuing to drive the pandemic.”
*Articles published on Preventive Medicine Reports are peer-reviewed and made freely available for everyone to read, download, and reuse in line with the user license displayed on the article.
AFT Ed.’s notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the official names announced for the virus responsible for COVID-19 (previously known as “2019 novel coronavirus”) and the disease it causes are as follows. The official name for the Disease is coronavirus disease (COVID-19), whereas the Virus is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
The PsyCorona Study aims to identify psychological and cultural factors that affect the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The fast-spreading coronavirus prompted many countries to go into lockdowns and to take various other mitigation measures, some of which may be required for years. Due to its Data Science component, the PsyCorona project is able to examine how individual-level psychological factors interact with different containment measures to predict differences in virus spread between countries and regions. Visit https://psycorona.org/ to learn more.
Other interesting links from The PsyCorona Study include:
Interview with Nick Sellers, CEO of The World Games Birmingham Organising Committee
Witness History!
The countdown is on with under 100 days and counting until the opening ceremony of The World Games 2022 on 7 July at the Protective Stadium. Nick Sellers, CEO of the Birmingham Organising Committee (BOC), says: the energy is growing day by day. We are ready!
TWG2022 Plate to support The World Games 2022’s commitment to education, diversity, and sustainability – image copyright The World Games (https://flic.kr/p/2mZqSnA)
TWG: How does Birmingham honour the 100 Days to Go day?
Nick Sellers: We will honour the “100 Days To Go” by announcing the “Team RWB Old Glory Relay to The World Games 2022 presented by Airbus”. This epic journey will begin on 25 May in Washington, DC with thousands of America’s military veterans carrying the American Flag and The World Games flag from our nation’s capitol, across the heartland of America, and ultimately into Birmingham, USA. And on 7 July, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and TWG2022 Honorary Co Chair Noah Galloway, who is himself a veteran and a sports enthusiast, will carry those same flags into Opening Ceremonies for the national anthem. This moment will signify a reconnection of global sports fans as The World Games 2022 will be the first major international multi sport event with full venues following the global pandemic.
TWG: What’s more important to you – the anticipation of the opening ceremony or the nervousness that everything will run smoothly?
Nick Sellers: All of this is important to me. I have great confidence in my team, working hard for the Birmingham Organizing Committee and our plan of execution throughout The Games. And I’m excited for the world to see the beautiful Opening Ceremony show with so many well known artists performing. I’m equally excited for fans to “Witness History” as over 3,600 athletes compete and showcase incredible athletic feats. I am convinced that we will remember this moment a long time. But there’s always a little anxiety for the actual show to begin. This gives us the extra adrenaline to ensure that we’ve taken care of the details.
TWG: What are the most important tasks on the home stretch to the Games?
Nick Sellers: We are moving more from planning to execution. And the most important tasks revolve around the different schedules. We call them “GamesTime” plans. The priorities of these plans include ensuring that the volunteers are trained and ready, each venue and our city has a world class “look and decor”, as well as ensuring that the athletes, fans, and sponsors have a safe, fun and memorable experience. There are so many details that go on behind the scenes to make this happen. Our BOC along with our partners in government and the private sector are all working harmoniously with our partners at the IWGA. And I’m pleased with our progress toward the preparation and execution of these plans.
TWG: What are the most important milestones that have already been achieved?
Nick Sellers: We’ve achieved so many milestones at this stage including securing over 100 sponsors, enlisted over 2,500 volunteers, secured many key partnerships, and finalized our marketing and promotional materials. Now, we turn to finalizing all of the accreditation of teams, athletes, dignitaries, officials, media, and so on, as well as a “GamesTime” simulation in May. During this exercise, we will treat eleven days as if each day were a day during TWG 2022 to establish better and more efficient communication and execution plans. This plan will include working on each day with partners from broadcast production to transportation and security.
TWG: What does a CEO’s working day look like at this stage?
Nick Sellers: I try to ensure my weekly team meeting with staff leadership and partners. But I also try to protect my schedule to have the flexibility to communicate with my entire team, public and private partners, and our IWGA partners as needed. Every day matters at this point for successful execution of our plans. And my time is spent mostly ensuring that our team has the necessary resources and support needed to deliver these plans. Not to forget: I am promoting the historic nature of The World Games 2022.
Official mascots of The World Games 2022 Birmingham, embody the spirit of the city’s history of iron and steel in Vulcan and Goddess of the Hearth and Home in Vesta – image copyright The World Games (https://flic.kr/p/2mZuEqR)
TWG: The BOC is now launching an advertising campaign: what are the most important messages? And what does the campaign look like?
Nick Sellers: The final advertising campaign is a “call to action” for everyone to get their ticket to TWG 2022 while they can. Some competitions are already close to selling out. And we believe that this final advertising campaign will really build even more excitement for ticket sales. The theme is “Step Up!”. Because just as these incredible athletes will have their chance to “Step Up” on that medal podium for their moment of glory, it’s also Birmingham’s and all of America’s chance to “Step Up” and buy a ticket to share in this moment and watch something historic. This will be a moment that fans and families will talk about for the rest of their lives. It’s very special. And I believe it will build excitement for these sports that are competing in TWG 2022. We call these sports the “new generation of global sports” in America.
TWG: What is the mood in Birmingham with regard to the event?
Nick Sellers: The energy is growing day by day and it’s very exciting. Just over the past few weeks, it feels like more and more citizens are realizing that the Games are almost here. The World Games 2022 is on the local and statewide news almost every day now. And it is bringing our community and state together in a very special way. We want to show the world our true “southern hospitality” and how Birmingham and the entire State of Alabama is becoming an international destination worthy of such a grand event as The World Games. We believe this will propel us onto the global stage in a big way. And we are ready.
TWG: Do friends and acquaintances talk to you about The World Games and what do they want to know?
Nick Sellers: The World Games 2022 is a constant topic of conversation in my life right now. From family and friends to business colleagues, they all want to know more about how things are going and what they can do to help. It has been a humbling experience to be a part of this special moment. I’m just grateful to have had this chance to work with an incredible team. And I’m especially grateful to have developed a true friendship with IWGA Honorary Life President Ron Froehlich who is a longtime resident of Birmingham. He’s become a mentor to me and he has helped me get through some very challenging and difficult times in this role. I’ve leaned on his experience. There’s many people that I keep in the front of my mind during this time. But he’s among the top. I want to make him proud. He’s worked so hard for many years for the IWGA and The Olympic Movement and he deserves to see his hometown deliver the best Games yet.
Is the war in Ukraine in connection with The World Games a topic in Birmingham?
Nick Sellers: Yes it is. Many of our sponsors and fans have asked what we can do collectively to show our support and solidarity with the Ukrainian athletes and citizens. And during our recent meetings in Birmingham, IWGA President Perurena made a great recommendation that the BOC join with our partners at the IWGA to support the Ukrainian athletes with a share of ticket and merchandise revenue. We are finalising those plans and will announce them very soon.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.
